As a new e46 sponsor specializing in automotive detailing supplies, I thought I would open a thread for people to ask their questions about exterior and interior care of their vehicles. There is so much information out there regarding automotive detailing and we've been in the business for years. I have used a majority of products available on the market and have hand selected the products I stand by for our shop, www.detailedimage.com .

Don't be afraid to post up any questions that you have no matter how simple or complex it is. I'll do my best to give you a timely answer.

If you'd like to see some more pictures just say the word. We look forward to becoming active members in the e46 community!

Hi George and Greg, I searched this forum for cleaning dirty seat belts with no luck so I thought I would start with you. Do you have preferred solution to cleaning dirty beige seatbelts? I tried with a basic upholstery cleaner and a brush but no love. Any ideas?

I have water spots on the hood of my '99 M3, etched deep into the clear. Upon first observation, I tried claying and correcting them out. Though their appearance faded (from an 8/10 to say a 4/10), a few of them are stubborn and remain. I will gladly post close-ups if this would be of any help.

This car has likely been cut/polished several times given it's age and number of owners; so I must proceed with caution (as I don't have a depth gauge, either, for reference). What options do I have? Any advice given (also heeding caution) will translate to my testing on inconspicuous areas. Perhaps a depth gauge is the only reliable umpire in this case?

In many cases it requires wetsanding to remove spots that have etched deeply into the finish. Like you mentioned though, most factory clears are pretty thin and it can be risky sanding them. Your safe bet would be to purchase a PTG like the highline available through DI. This way you can see what you really have to work with.

In many cases it requires wetsanding to remove spots that have etched deeply into the finish. Like you mentioned though, most factory clears are pretty thin and it can be risky sanding them. Your safe bet would be to purchase a PTG like the highline available through DI. This way you can see what you really have to work with.

Thank you - you wouldn't happen to know / mind sourcing the factory clearcoat spec, MY 99, paint 386? I haven't had any success with my own devices.

Thank you - you wouldn't happen to know / mind sourcing the factory clearcoat spec, MY 99, paint 386? I haven't had any success with my own devices.

There really isn't a clearcoat spec for any vehicle. Typically you just take multiple readings and get an average for the vehicle. You can also take a reading in the door jamb possibly to get an idea of thickness in an area that likely was never touched. Probably not what you wanted to hear.

Hi, I have a question regarding my BMW. I left it at a place in Sweden for cleaning, polishing and vax.

I picked up the car 20 days ago and saw that it had some "sun marks", the guy told me that it will disapear after a normal wash. I went to the carwash station and clean it just with water and car-soap, everything is fine.

But this sun marks are still there?

Im sorry for my english, im from Sweden so I hope you guys understand what I mean.
Heres a photo that describes what I See

LOL "sun marks"? that's the worst "clean, polish and wax" I have literally ever seen in my life. Filled with spider webbing, and those appear to be water spots that are left over after a car sits in the hot ass sun with water droplets on it. They're not that easy to get off and you typically have to hand wash the car to make them go away.

Unless it's something worse? Did you drive back there and show them to complain?? this is unacceptable.